M A I N   N E W S

Bill on dual citizenship for PIOs passed

New Delhi, December 22
Parliament today passed a Bill to grant dual citizenship to people of Indian origin, with Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani saying the measure would go a long way to enable this section of people contribute to the cause of national development.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2003, would “enable both Bharatvasis and Bharatvanshis to contribute together to the cause of India’s development”, he said while replying to a short debate on the legislation which was earlier adopted by the Upper House.

Among other things, the Bill, to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, simplifies the procedure to facilitate the re-acquisition of Indian citizenship by persons of full age who are children of Indian citizens and former Indian citizens, according to its Statement of Objects and Reasons.— PTI